Is iTind a fast and safe treatment for BPH?
The iTind procedure is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate. This procedure involves a temporary implant designed to reshape the prostatic urethra, creating new channels that allow urine to flow more easily. The iTind provides immediate and long-lasting relief from BPH symptoms without the need for drugs, surgery, or permanent implants.
What is the iTind Procedure?
What’s Involved in the iTind Procedure?
The iTind procedure is performed as an outpatient treatment. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- Pre-Procedure Preparation: Light sedation and local anaesthetic are administered to ensure patient comfort.
- Implantation: A small, thin tube with a tiny camera is inserted into the urethra to accurately place the iTind device within the prostate.
- Duration: The iTind implant remains in place for 5 to 7 days, during which it expands and applies gentle pressure to remodel the prostate tissue.
- Removal: After this period, the implant is completely removed using a flexible silicone catheter. The device is removed without the need for a hospital stay, allowing a return to normal activities within 1-2 days.
How Does the iTind Device Work?
The iTind device works by expanding within the prostate and applying gentle pressure to reshape the tissue, creating a wider channel for urine to flow. This process provides rapid symptom relief and improved urinary function without damaging sperm ducts or urethral sphincters, thus preserving sexual and urinary functions.
Benefits of the iTind Treatment
- Preservation of Sexual and Ejaculatory Function: The iTind procedure avoids trauma to critical structures, reducing the risk of retrograde ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and incontinence.
- No Permanent Implant: Unlike other treatments, iTind does not leave any permanent device in the body.
- No General Anaesthesia Required: The procedure typically uses local anaesthesia or light sedation.
- Quick Recovery: Patients can return to normal activities almost immediately, with most resuming daily routines within days.
- Effective and Durable Results: Clinical studies show significant symptom relief and improved urinary flow lasting up to 6.6 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know if the iTind Treatment is Right for Me?
The iTind procedure is suitable for men who:
- Want to avoid daily medication or have experienced unsatisfactory results from standard drug treatments.
- Seek to preserve their sexual function and continence.
- Are concerned about permanent implants and lengthy recovery periods associated with surgery.
Consulting with a urologist will help determine if the iTind procedure is appropriate based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and health goals.
When Will Results Show, and Are There Any Side Effects?
Most patients experience symptom relief shortly after the removal of the iTind device, with continued improvement over the next 6 to 12 weeks. Common side effects include:
- Pressure in the Perineum: Mild discomfort in the area between the scrotum and anus.
- Increased Urinary Frequency and Urgency: A temporary increase in the need to urinate.
- Blood in Urine: Light bleeding, which typically resolves shortly after removal.
These side effects generally subside quickly after the device is removed.
What Clinical Data Supports iTind Treatment?
Clinical studies have demonstrated the durability of iTind, showing significant improvement in symptoms, urinary flow, and quality of life up to 6.6 years post-treatment. The procedure does not prevent the possibility of future treatments for BPH if necessary.
Are there resources I can further look into?
For more detailed information about the iTind procedure, visit the manufacturer’s website at www.medi-tate.com. Articles and clinical data can also be found in reputable sources such as BJUI International.
Are there alternatives to iTind?
- Medications (alpha blockers, porstate reducing medications, oral erectile medications, one can as well explore supplements)
- Transuethral resection of prostate (TURP)
- UroLift
- ReZum
- Laser enucleation of prostate
- Aquablation
